SSE, what is it? The social and solidarity economy (ESS) covers a non-exhaustive list of economic sectors. It is therefore not limited to this or that sector, rather it aims at spreading the philosophy of reciprocity to all levels of the economy. It does not correspond to a type of “business”, but is intended to modify the reasons for which we act, invest and interact professionally. In other words, SSE represents an innovative economic philosophy whose core principles are solidarity and social utility.
Who are the players in this economy?
Social and solidarity economies exist for economic actors of various statuses: cooperatives, mutualists, unions, foundations, etc. These are structures whose mode of operation is based on democratic and participatory principles. In these organizations, personal profit is carried over to the background and profit from an activity is reinvested.
As a mutual insurance company, AÉSIO is part of this network of structures committed to Mutuelle SSE, and has become a major player in it. Thus, the objectives it pursues are not governed and determined only by the creation of profits to be shared among the shareholders. In any case, unlike insurance companies, there are no shareholders in reciprocity. If it generates activity, employment and social relations, then its governance remains democratic. It aims to reinvest its profits in social and solidarity work.
The actors of the complementary, social and solidarity economy defend values ​​based on respect for the individual and the environment. To finance themselves, they form public and private partnerships that enable them to access resources and spread their philosophy to as many people as possible, by positioning them as major players in the country’s economy.
What is the relationship between the public and private sectors?
SSE claims and seeks the support of both public authorities and private companies to collaborate, obtain funding and develop projects capable of democratizing a culture of responsible and cohesive entrepreneurship.
SSEs, their actors and their systems are subject to a 2014 law that sets out the rules that govern them, as well as the way they are financed. SSE, since this law, is open to structures with commercial status that respect its principles and serve the purposes of social utility and common interest. The law also provides for an updated approval system called ESUS (Solidarity Enterprise of Social Utility). Thanks to this, SSE actors are able to request and receive financial assistance.